Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R)
General OMS-I guidance
In the OMS-I year, focus on exposure to and interaction with the field. Become a member of LUCOM’s PM&R club and join AAPM&R (American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation) and/or AOCPMR (American Osteopathic College of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation). In your academic studies, focus on excellence and on developing good histories and physical exams. Incorporate and practice Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) in your studies. To gain additional exposure, contact a physiatrist to establish a relationship and potentially a shadowing opportunity. Begin adding significant contributions to your CV.
General OMS-II guidance
Continue to shadow PM&R doctors as time allows; additional exposure and experience will set you apart in rotations and residency interviews. Continue to focus on academic excellence. Doing well on COMLEX is a must, and many programs will accept COMLEX scores without USMLE scores. If you are a strong test taker, succeeding on the USMLE as well will open more opportunities for potential residency programs. However, doing poorly on the USMLE will likely cost you interview slots. Continue to add significant contributions to your CV.
General OMS-III guidance
Lean into research exposure by attending a PM&R conference such as the AOCPMR midyear meeting or the AAPM&R annual assembly. Try to present a case study or research project at one of these conferences. Begin applying for audition rotations. If possible, complete an early OMS-IV elective with a PM&R program. Continue to add significant contributions to your CV.
Complete and do well on COMLEX Level 2. Doing well on COMLEX is a must, and many programs will accept COMLEX scores without USMLE scores. If you are a strong test taker, scoring well on the USMLE as well will open more opportunities for potential residency programs. However, doing poorly on the USMLE will likely cost you interview slots.
General OMS-IV guidance
Complete PM&R rotations; include other rotations that are related to PM&R. Obtain at least 3 letters of recommendation from writers who can attest to your clinical acumen; at least 1-2 of these should be from a physiatrist. Complete your personal statement and CV. Attend residency fairs in person of virtually. Schedule interviews throughout the fall/winter season and work closely with your faculty mentor during this process.
Research guidance – What research should a student seeking this specialty engage in?
Engaging in some scholarly activity is important as a supplement to a strong ERAS application. Scholarly activity can include research, a case report, a poster/abstract presentation, etc. When choosing a topic, make sure you are comfortable discussing it; programs will most likely ask you about your research during interviews.
Volunteer, work or service guidance
Volunteer service will foster your development as a well-rounded physician. Research service opportunities within your local community. If you live near LUCOM, take advantage of the opportunities for service locally in Lynchburg. Volunteer service does not need to be within the field of psychiatry, although this can be helpful. For example, volunteering at a summer camp that works with individuals with disabilities would be a great opportunity.
Letters of Recommendation (LOR) – How many and by whom
You should have at least 3 letters of recommendation, and at least 1-2 of these should be from PM&R physicians. When selecting letter writers, try to reach out to physicians that can attest to different aspects of your medical strengths. Letters from physicians in other specialties can supplement your PM&R letters of recommendation. For example, a neurologist could attest to your neurology background, while an ONMM physician could attest to your musculoskeletal and OMT strengths, and an internal medicine physician could attest to your overall strengths in medicine.
Recommended total number of interviews overall
Interested student-doctors should apply to at least 20 programs, although this can vary. PM&R has categorical and advanced positions. If you are interested in advanced programs, you will also want to apply to transitional or medicine preliminary internships as well.
Recommended total number of interviews in the specialty
Apply to at least 20 programs.
General CV guidance
Begin compiling your CV during your first years of medical school. Note significant contributions that will help your residency application. Doing so throughout medical school will ensure that you do not miss important details as you look back on your experiences.
General Personal statement guidance
Your personal statement should be unique to you and should reflect your interest in the field of PM&R and your journey to choosing this field. As you write your personal statement, be sure to think about how being an osteopathic physician plays a vital role in rehabilitation medicine.
Rotations – What 4th year rotations would you encourage a student in this specialty to secure?
Focus on rotations that will prepare you to enter PM&R and your internship year. In addition to your core PM&R rotations, these rotations can include Neurology, Neurosurgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Urology, Pediatrics, Rheumatology, Radiology, Anesthesiology, Oncology, and Trauma Surgery.
Additional thoughts or suggestions
The LUCOM PM&R faculty look forward to working with you. PM&R is the best kept secret in medicine!